At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
Here’s something you don’t see very often — a straight-pull 17 HMR with a handsome fancy AA Maple stock. The slick, straight-pull T-Bolt design lets you load/eject with a simple pull back/push forward movement. The T-Bolt cycles nearly as fast as a semi-auto, but with bolt-action accuracy. This rifle features Browning’s patent pending 10-round rotary Double Helix™ magazine. Browning says “No magazine is easier to load and more reliable” than the new Double Helix. This rifle originally sold for $839.99. Now, you can get one for $499.99 after $100 Browning Rebate. This same rifle is also available in .22 LR and .22 WMR for the same price. REBATE INFO.
2. Grizzly.com — Bald Eagle Rests $165.00 – $199.95
Bald Eagle (by Grizzly) offers one of the best value-priced front rests on the market. We’ve seen F-Class shooters win matches with the Bald Eagle Slingshot Windage Rest, which costs less than a fifth of a premium co-axial rest. For a new shooter, this is a very cost-effective solution. One Forum member purchased this Bald Eagle BE1006 rest for his grandson, deciding it was the best rest under $300.00. Both rests shown offer a cable (with large knob) for easy windage adjustment. The Slingshot model, in cast iron or aluminum, has an elongated front leg for added stability. This also brings the Windage knob within easy reach. The aluminum version (BE1005) is considerably lighter and $35 cheaper, so it may be preferred by rimfire and varmint shooters. Note: Front sandbag sold separately.
Bushnell’s highly-regarded Elite 4500 Series scopes offer very good performance and reliability for the price. Here’s a great deal on a Bushnell 6-24x40mm Elite 4500 with Multi-X Reticle, 1/4-MOA clicks, and 1″-diameter main tube. Right now this fine optic is just $359.99 — nearly $240 off the regular price. This would be a good choice for a varmint rifle. Hard to find better glass at anywhere near this price. Verified buyer states: “Great scope. Clear, tracks correctly, and is repeatable. Great glass, to my eyes better than Leupold VX3 and Weavers.” Get FREE Shipping with code FS180723 through 7/24/18.
4. Walmart — EZShoot Rifle Case with Shoulder Straps, $24.99
We like this versatile bag for hunting and varmint trips. The 47.2″ EZshoot gun case provides good protection for scoped rifles with up to about 27″ barrels. The large pockets will hold binoculars, laser rangefinder, windmeter, ammunition, and other gear. The big bonus is this inexpensive carry case includes comfortable, adjustable shoulder straps. That makes it easy to carry everything from your vehicle to your shooting area. You get all this functionality for under twenty-five bucks. Walmart currently offers this 47.2″ case for just $24.99 with FREE shipping to your residence.
5. Brownells — CCI .22 LR Ammo, $24.99/500 or $89.96 for 2000
Here’s a great deal on big-name, rimfire ammo. Right now you can get a 500-round pack of CCI Standard Velocity 40gr LRN ammo for just $24.99. That works out to just five cents ($0.05) per round. But it gets even better. If you purchase at least four 500-rd packs (2000 rounds total), you also get FREE shipping and a $10.00 discount with CODE NBM. With that “NBM” discount code, your total price is just $89.96 for 2000 rounds delivered, or 4.5 cents per round! That’s a great deal on reliable CCI ammo that’s good for plinking and rimfire cross-training. NOTE: If the JDC code has expired, try CODE PJS for free shipping on $99+ orders.
6. Grafs.com — Lyman Summer Sale, 10-22% Off Select items
Lyman has brought out some fine products in recent years, tools that offer excellent performance for the price. Now you can get a serious discount on a variety of Lyman products, including the popular Lyman BoreCam, and the Lyman Trigger Pull Gauge, our “go-to” tool for measuring pull weights. Here are some of the best Lyman Summer Sale deals at Grafs.com now:
7. ARMorALLY.com — Nosler RDF Bullets, $24-$29 per 100
Nosler’s line of RDF (Reduced Drag Factor) bullets have high BCs for their weight. Precision shooters are reporting outstanding accuracy. Given their high performance and consistency, RDF bullets represent a superior value. At ARMorAlly you can get Nosler RDFs for under $29 per 100 for popular 6mm and 6.5 mm sizes. That’s up to $25 less per box than some other premium brands. And the .22-Caliber RDFs are even cheaper. ARMorAlly also has great pricing on Nosler Ballistic Tip, Custom Competition, Accubond, ABLR, and Lead Free bullets. All Nosler Bullets HERE.
8. VihtaVuori — $5.00 Per Pound Rebate on Vihtavuori Powders
The 2018 VihtaVuori Rebate Program is under way. For a limited time, earn $5.00 back per bottle when you purchase VihtaVuori powders. Offer is valid on qualifying purchases made between August 15, 2018 and October 15, 2018. Be sure to keep your receipts and note the labels. The Rebate application MUST include proof of purchase showing retailer name and date of purchase. And the Rebate Form MUST include the serial number for each VihtaVuori bottle purchased.
VV Rebate Start Date: 8/15/2018
VV Rebate End Date: 10/15/2018
Postmarked By Date: 11/30/2018
Minimum Purchase: One 1-pound bottle
Maximum Purchase: Twelve 1-pound bottles
Maximum REBATE is $60.00
9. Amazon — Howard Leight MAX NRR33 Earplugs, $8.00/50 Pairs
20 Pairs
50 Pairs
These Howard Leight NRR33 Max plugs are your Editor’s favorite foam earplugs. Between shooting, motorcycling and mowing lawns, I probably have Max plugs in my ears 2-3 days a week. This is a very good price for a bulk pack of 50 pairs. And if you act soon, you can get free shipping to boot.
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One of our favorite cartridges for small varmints is the 17 HMR. Yes, the newer 17 WSM rimfire has better ballistics, but 17 HMR ammunition is considerably less expensive, and you have a much larger selection of rifles and pre-chambered aftermarket barrels. And out to 150 yards or so the 17 HMR is great on ground squirrels and prairie dogs.
If you are looking for a 17 HMR varmint rifle, one rig you should definitely consider is the Savage A17. Now that this model is offered in a nice laminated thumbhole stock, you can get a fine little 17 HMR rifle for about $450.00. We much prefer the laminated stock A17 over the basic Tupperware version.
How does an A17 shoot? That question was answered a couple seasons back by Varminter.com in a First Hunt Report. Accurate and affordable, the Savage A17 is also the first .17 HMR to feature a delayed blow-back action. Eric Mayer, Editor of Varminter.com, put the semi-auto Savage A17 through its paces.
Mayer wanted to see how the new Savage would perform, accuracy-wise, and he also wanted to see how the A17 fared in the field. Mayer achieved one-MOA accuracy with the Savage A17 using the latest CCI-brand ammo, and he demonstrated the A17 is wickedly effective on ground squirrels. Below we’ve provided highlights from Varminter.com’s Savage A17 First Hunt Report.
“I [collected] as many versions of the currently available .17 HMR ammunition as I could get my hands on. I had already picked-up and tested the new CCI A17 ammunition, so I filled up my ammo safe with other CCI ammunition, as well as Hornady and Winchester, including the lead free 15.5 grain NTX versions, also from Hornady and Winchester. After spending some time at the bench, I saw that this rifle shot the CCI A17 ammunition best, with most groups hovering right around 1″ to 1.20″ at one hundred yards, and some of the other ammo choices in the 1.25″ to 1.50″ range. This was with a warm barrel and in-between cleanings during the break-in process.”
Mayer found the A17 was easy to maintain: “I was very impressed by the ease of pulling the rifle apart for cleaning out in the field. Even with the scope mounted, I was able to quickly and easily remove the parts needed to give me complete access to the barrel through the breach, so cleaning was a breeze.”
A17 Reliability Lessons — Seat Those Rotary Magazines Correctly Folks
Some early A17 purchasers have noted occasional failures to feed. We believe this is because the magazine was not fully seated (and locked in place) in the firearm. The experience of Varminter.com’s Editor seems to confirm this. Mayer reports “As I began to shoot the rifle, I experienced what a few others have reported, with the magazine falling out while shooting. I quickly realized that I was not snapping the magazine into place every time. I found that popping in the magazine while the bolt was pulled, or locked back, resolved the issue. I did have a few failures to feed, but only on some of the older ammunition I was shooting, namely the first year Hornady ammo and the lead free ammo (which is about 3-4 years old). The newer ammo did not have any issues and functioned well, even while shooting some 10-round ‘mag-dumps’. The trigger is on the heavy side.”
A17 Reliability Shown in Video
The Savage A17 went through a very thorough manufacturer’s testing process before it was released to the market. In fact Savage put over 500,000 test rounds through A17 prototypes. When AccurateShooter.com tested the A17 at Media Day — it worked flawlessly, so long as you make sure the magazine is fully seated. We had zero issues, making us think that reported issues may be related to “driver error”; specifically not seating the magazine properly. Watch AccurateShooter.com video with rapid fire sequence.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze, you lose.
Get a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor for $799.99 complete. That price, which includes rings, is great for a Gen 2 model. If you’ve been thinking of purchasing a Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) chambered for the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge, this is a killer deal. Right now CDNN Sports is offering this popular tactical rig for under $800.00, in the 6mm Creedmoor chambering. This shoots faster and flatter than the 6.5 Creedmoor — so many PRS guys have switched to it. This is a good choice for the PRS production class, or you can take in to another level of performance with a Pre-Fit 26″ cut-rifled barrel from Krieger. This is the lastest RPR Gen 2 version with the upgraded handguards. Heck of a bargain boys — you can pay $1200 or more elsewhere for the same rifle.
2. MidwayUSA — Factory Second Bullets, 30% Off
MidwayUSA has purchased a large lot of big name blemished bullets, which are being offered at 30% off normal retail. For example 6.5mm 140gr bullets are marked down from $33.99 to $23.79 per 100. And 7mm 162gr bullets are reduced from $36.79 to $25.75 per 100. These blemished bullets are bulk-packaged, factory seconds that didn’t meet specification. For majority of the bullets being offered, this blemish is a slight discoloration in the jacket or the bullets were run during press set-up. Quantities are limited. These bullets may or may not have a cannelure present and the color of polymer-tipped bullets may vary between boxes.
Buy yourself an inexpensive 17 HMR rifle, get this package deal, and you’re set for the varmint fields for under $400.00. The 200 rounds of ammo is worth $40.00, so you’re getting the 3-10x36mm scope for another forty bucks or so. Can’t argue with that. No this ain’t no Nightforce but this scope has a full factory guarantee and it should work OK for basic plinking duties. It has 1/4-MOA clicks plus a special extra “speed turret” calibrated for 17 HMR ballistics.
4. Natchez — Surplus SKB 5041 Transport Cases, $104.99
Natchez has obtained a supply of British MOD Surplus SKB 5041 rifle cases. These were ordered as mine detector cases, but were never issued. Natchez has removed the foam cut for the detectors and replaced it with brand new 2-piece convoluted foam. Interior dimension of the case is 50″x14.5″x5″ INSIDE so this will hold long-barrel match rifles comfortably. These are extremely high-quality cases, very tough and rugged, waterproof with gaskets. These cases feature four SKB patented trigger latches, four reinforced padlock locations, and inline wheels. Though in excellent condition, some case may have minor exterior scuffs. You won’t find a better case at anywhere near the $105.99 price. These normally retail for $199.99.
5. Midsouth — Lyman Brass Smith Ideal Press, $77.49
Lyman’s new Ideal compact press works great as a second, lighter-duty press. It also is a good choice for loading at the range. It can easily be mounted to a range bench with C-clamps. With its cast-iron body, this C-Frame press is stronger than other presses in its price class. If you are looking for a secondary press for decapping, bullet-seating and other tasks not requiring heavy leverage, this is an excellent choice. The Lyman Ideal costs just $77.49 at Midsouth Shooters Supply.
6. Powder Valley — 20% Off BR-4 Primers and Ramshot TAC
Powder Valley Inc. just kicked off a big sale on CCI Primers and Ramshot powder. Save 20% off RamShot TAC powder and get free HazMat with a large ($250) order. Powder Valley is also discounting CCI Small Rifle Primers, which are now also 20% Off. These BR4 primers produce excellent accuracy and consistent velocity in popular cartridges such as .223 Rem, 6mmBR, 6.5×47 Lapua, and 6.5 Creedmoor (Small Primer version). NOTE: The 20% off applies to all purchases of Ramshot TAC and CCI BR-4 primers. You can get free HazMat if you buy at least $250 of TAC powder OR at least 10,000 primers (e.g. ten 1000-primer units). This Powder Valley sale is good through August 5, 2018.
7. Midsouth — Hornady 17 HMR Ten Boxes for $84.99
Varmint hunters take note. Here’s a great deal on premium 17 HMR ammo. Midsouth is selling 500 rounds of Hornady 17 HMR ammo for $84.99. That works out to just $8.50 per 50-rd box — the best price we’ve seen in a while. Loaded with 17gr V-Max bullets, this ammo is accurate — expect about 1 MOA at 100 yards in a good rifle. The V-Max bullets are effective on small varmints out to 200 yards.
8. Natchez — 100 Hornady .22 Cal Varmint Bullets, $7.99
Need big quantities of .224-caliber bullets for your next prairie dog safari, or some action shooting ammo for your AR? Here’s a crazy good deal on Hornady soft-point 55gr varmint bullets. The price is just $7.99 per hundred. You read that right less than eight cents per bullet. At those prices you can shoot all day long.
9. Cabela’s — Summer Sale on Guns, Ammo, and Gear
Cabela’s is running a big summer sale now, with significant discounts (up to 40%) on a wide range of products. Along with discounted guns and ammunition, you’ll find many other outdoor products on sale of interest to shooters: knives, Vortex binoculars, and camping gear.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Grafs.com — 25% Off ALL Sightron Optics — Huge Savings
Grafs.com is having a huge, 25% Off Sale on Sightron optics. Now through 7/6/18, Graf’s is slashing prices on ALL Sightron riflescopes, spotting scopes, binoculars and more. Looking for a reliable, high-magnification competition scope for under $850.00? Well Sightron 10-50x60mm comp scopes are on sale, starting at $817.49. Likewise all Sightron 8-32x56mm scopes are 25% off, with sale prices as low as $697.49. There are many other great deals. The Sightron 4-20x50mm S-Tac Scope is now just $307.49 on sale. And the 20-60x85mm SII HD spotting scope is marked down 25% from $649.99 to $487.49. CLICK HERE for all Sightron Deals at Grafs.com.
2. Midsouth — Major Brand Blem Tipped Bullets — Up to 30% Off
Midsouth is now offering big savings on major-brand blem bullets. These are overruns, cosmetically blemished jackets or tip discolorations, or factory second bullets from a major bullet manufacturer (Midsouth isn’t allowed to name the company). NOTE: Some projectile tips are misshapen, other packages may contain bullets which vary by grain weight. No matter what, you’re getting tipped hunting, or tipped match bulk bullets at huge savings. Many options in .224, .243 (6mm), .257, .264 (6.5mm), .277, .284 (7mm), .308, and .338 calibers.
3. Amazon — NcStar Roll-Up Shooting Mat, $29.95
Thicker and bigger than most shooting mats under $60.00, this $29.99 NcStar Roll-Up Mat has earned excellent reviews for comfort and utility. It has 0.30″ padding plus elbow and knee panels. The mat rolls up into a compact 19.5″ W x 8.5″ H, secured by twin Velcro straps The mat is available in six colors: Tan (shown), green, black, camo, digital camo, and grey. With both carry handle AND shoulder strap, the rolled mat is easy to tote. Here are reviews from three recent verified purchasers:
“I took this mat out into the [Utah desert]. This mat is fantastic, the stitching is solid, the padding is thick enough that rocks and cactus aren’t a problem. It’s light, quick, and easy to roll up.” — Angela D.
“Excellent mat. Used it for a Project Appleseed shoot and it performed perfectly. Two days of kneeling, standing and laying on it, over a dirty, dusty shooting range. Came through it all with flying colors. Rolls nicely [and] well-constructed from high-quality materials.” — NPCoach
“Works better than I expected. Easy to roll up and unroll in seconds. Velcro ties save a lot of time. It’s not uncomfortable laying on hard, uneven ground. Great product!” — Robert
4. GunPrime — DPMS 16″ Oracle (AR-type), $329.00 After Rebate
Here’s a heck of a deal on a basic AR15. GunPrime.com is selling the DPMS Oracle AR-platform rifle in .223 Rem for just $379.00. That’s a great price. But it gets even better. Now through July 31, 2018, DPMS is offering a $50.00 Factory Rebate on this Oracle rifle. That lowers your net cost to $329.00!
5. Amazon — Long Range Shooting Handbook, $22.46
This 250-page book is Amazon.com’s #1 Top Seller among shooting books. The author, a former U.S. Army Sniper Instructor, knows his stuff. Ryan’s Long Range Shooting Handbook contains a thorough discussion of MOA and MilRadian concepts. The handbook is broken down into three section: Part One covers equipment, terminology, and basic principles. Part Two covers the theory of long range shooting. Part Three offers practical advice on implementing the information taught. This book has earned rave reviews — 89% of verified purchasers gave the book Five Stars.
6. Cabela’s — Federal .22 LR Ammo, $18.99 for 325 Rds
Here you go — name-brand rimfire ammo for just 5.8 cents per round. Can’t complain about that price. Considering accuracy and reliability, this American-made .22 LR rimfire ammo represents a very good value. This Federal Auto Match .22 LR rimfire ammo features a 40gr Lead RN projectile. It feeds well in semi-auto rifles as well as bolt guns.
Very popular with Amazon buyers, the Kestrel 3000 enjoys 80% 5-Star Ratings. This versatile Weather Meter records wind speed, wind gust, average wind speed, temperature, humidity, dew point and more. Every precision shooter should have a wind meter, and this is an affordable entry-level unit. NOTE: This Kestrel 3000 does NOT include built-in Applied Ballistics software (to get that feature you’ll have to pay $599+ for a Kestrel Elite). No worries — you can run a separate mobile App on your phone, such as Ballistic, which uses the JBM Ballistics engine and costs just $12.99.
8. Brownells — Howa Barreled Actions on Sale, Starting at $259.99
Right now, Brownells is running a big sale on Howa Barreled Actions, in a wide variety of chamberings. You may want to pick up one of these barreled actions, which start at $259.99. We like Howa actions — they are smooth, and they feature an excellent two-stage trigger. Howa also offers a unique Mini Action, which is great for a small-caliber varmint rig. Here are some of the Howa Barreled Actions currently in stock at Brownells. NOTE: This is just a partial sample — there are many other varieties:
.223 Rem, 20″ Heavy Barrel, $399.99
6.5 Grendel, Mini Heavy Barrel, $389.99
6.5 Creedmoor, 24″ Heavy Barrel, $399.99
6.5 Creedmoor, 26″ Heavy Barrel, $429.99
7mm-08, Std Cerakote, $579.99
7.62×39, Mini Light Barrel, $259.99
.308 Win, 20″ Heavy Barrel, $289.99
.308 Win, 24″ Heavy Barrel, $299.99
.30-06 Sprg, 22″ Sporter Barrel, Cerakote, $349.99
.300 Win Mag, 24″ Heavy Barrel, $279.99
9. Amazon — Lyman Bleacher Loading Blocks, $5.34
Lyman’s clever Bleacher Block stepped cartridge holders work great. Use the different levels for sorting brass. Or, migrate the brass from top to bottom as you proceed through case prep stages. Made of durable polymer, Bleacher Blocks are molded in three sizes. The smallest size (with 0.388″-diam holes) fits .223 Rem-size case heads. The middle size (with 0.485″-diam holes) fits .308 Win-size case heads. The biggest Bleacher Block has 0.565″-diameter recesses for magnum-size cases. All three cartridge block sizes hold fifty (50) rounds. Purchase any size for just $5.34 per block at Amazon.
Grafs.com Sightron Sale tip from EdLongrange.
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The Bertalotto 17 HMR Cleaning Rod Bore Guide is actually made from aluminum arrow shafts.
When Hornady (and CCI) developed the 17 HMR cartridge, they really hit a home-run. And the rifle manufacturers quickly marketed some nice rifles to chamber this 17-cal rimfire round. But unlike .22 LR rifles which, typically, require very little cleaning, 17 HMRs demand frequent bore cleaning to maintain good accuracy. That’s because 17 HMRs shoot copper-jacketed bullets at 2550 fps velocities.
17-Cal Bore Guides — The Challenge
The problem is, it’s hard to find a well-designed, quality bore guide for 17-caliber rimfire rifles. With many 17 HMR (and 17 Mach 2) rifles, you encounter mechanical interference when you try to use a standard bore guide to protect the delicate chamber edge and the bottle neck area of the chamber. A fixed ejector is in the way. On many 17 HMR rifles, this little “shark fin” ejector is right in line with the chamber and is fixed — it doesn’t retract. Therefore the kind of bore guide you might use for centerfire rifles won’t work in 17 HMRs — it will hang up on the ejector.
Polymer bore guides exist for this type of action, but they are typically open-bottom designs that do not enter and seal the chamber. These open-bottom designs don’t protect the delicate chamber edge or the bottleneck area of the chamber, and they also allow some seepage of solvents out of the chamber. That’s why Roy Bertalotto created his RVB Precision Bore Guide for 17 HMR rifles. The 7075 aluminum tube on his Bore Guide is thin enough to pass by the ejector, yet it is extremely rigid. (Photos below.)
Roy explains: “My bore guide is made of 7075 anodized aluminum tubing, which is totally unaffected by any type of cleaning solution. One end is swagged down to fit completely into the chamber of a 17 HMR rifle. This guides your cleaning rod perfectly to the bore without touching the chamber walls or front edge of the chamber. The tight fit of the bore guide in the chamber also stops cleaning solvents from getting into the action, magazine, and trigger housing.” (Editor: Solvent seepage can do damage. We had a 17 Mach 2 rifle that rusted internally because solvents leaked past an open-bottom bore guide.)
Using the RVB 17 HMR Guide – Once the bore guide is in place, slide the supplied aluminum bushing over the tube, and gently push the bushing into the rear of the action. This centers the guide rod in the action to keep the guide rod tube aligned. Once the guide rod and bushing are in place, you can use a 17-caliber cleaning rod* with patches and/or brushes to clean the barrel. Use the rod normally, but make sure your patches are quite small and don’t apply too much pressure as these small-diameter rods can kink if you try to force over-size patches down the bore.
The RVB Precision 17 HMR Bore Guide costs $19.95 plus $5.00 shipping. To order, email Roy Bertalotto via rvb100 [at] comcast.net. Roy will then send you shipping/payment details.
Roy tells us: “Yes, I make the bore guides out of 1616 aluminum arrow shafts. The only material on earth that fits EXACTLY what is needed. I buy the shaft material as simple tubing from Easton. It is hard anodized, the perfect wall thickness and doesn’t look too bad either.”
* NOTE: You really do need a dedicated .17-cal cleaning rod for this job. Most other rods are too fat to pass through the barrel. Dewey Mfg. makes a decent 17-caliber cleaning rod that is reasonably stiff and doesn’t kink too readily. It is available in 7″, 11″, 18″, 26″, and 36″ lengths, either bare stainless steel or with a nylon coating. For use with the Bertalotto Bore Guide, we prefer the nylon-coated version, in either 26″ or 36″ lengths, depending on barrel length.
If you have a high comb on your rifle, you may need extra length to avoid interference with the rod handle. Use this formula to determine correct rod length: Length of barrel + action or breech rod guide length + 2-3″ clearance + high comb if applicable = total rod length needed.
There are other quality 17-cal cleaning rods, but we’ve used the Dewey and it functioned well. The nylon coating cleaned easily and was gentle on the throat and crown. You should clean the coating before and after each use to ensure it does not embed grit or other contaminants.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. LabRadar Chronograph — $50 Off, Sale June 8-24
If you’ve been wanting to get a LabRadar Chronograph, now’s a good time. You can now save $50 on this very advanced piece of technology — probably the most sophisticated chronograph system ever offered to the general public. That’s notable because you never see this discounted below the $559.95 MAP price. Now Read Carefully — this Sale Pricing is available starting Friday June 8, 2018. The sale extends through 6/24/2018. You can get the LabRadar from top vendors including Bruno Shooters Supply and Creedmoor Sports. Remember the $509.95 Sale Pricing starts Friday, June 8th. But you may want to call your favorite retailer and reserve a LabRadar unit today.
2. CDNN — Winchester XR Rifle $289.99 with $50 Rebate
We like the Winchester XPR as an affordable, entry-level hunting rifle. The three-lug bolt has a short throw, the mags seat easily and the rifle balances well. CDNN is offering the XPR for just $339.99. That’s a great price, but it gets even better. Winchester is offering a $50.00 factory rebate, lowering your net cost to just $289.99. That’s less than you’ll pay for a new custom barrel! This CDNN deal is available now for five popular chamberings: .243 Win, .270 Win, 7mm08, .308 Win, and .30-06. Winchester’s $50 Factory Rebate applies to any new Winchester XPR rifle purchased from May 25 through July 15, 2018. For more info, visit rebates.winchesterguns.com.
3. Cabela’s Armor Xtreme Plus Single Long-Gun Case — $119.00
Many match rifles have barrels 28″-30″ long, and a brake/tuner can add even more length. It can be difficult to find a hardshell case that is long enough but also affordable and not too bulky. Cabela’s has a rifle case that fits the bill — the new Armor Xtreme Plus Single Long-Gun Case. This measures a full 52″ long INSIDE. Waterproof, dustproof, and O-ring sealed, this case meets airline requirements, with a pressure-release valve to equalize pressure during air travel. This case, which has a Lifetime Warranty, was recommended by a Forum member: “I own several Cabela’s Armor Extreme long gun cases — very solid and I really like them. The double case is really heavy and bulky for just a routine range trip with one rifle. The older single model is 48” x 8.5” on the inside. Cabela’s changed the single rifle design to make it longer and wider — it is now 52″ x 11.5″ inside – just right for me.” This Cabela’s case weighs 13.5 pounds, and external dimensions are: 53.5″ L x 14″ W x 5″ H.
4. MidwayUSA — Vortex 6-24x50mm HS LR for $399.00
The Vortex Viper HS features side-focus parallax, low-dispersion glass, and a BDC Reticle (shown at right) that has hold-over marks. That can be useful in the varmint fields. (Do your own testing to find the distance settings of the hold-overs with your cartridge and velocity.) The Viper has a 30mm main tube and weighs 21.4 ounces without rings. Max elevation and windage travel are both 42 MOA — plenty for typical varmint applications. At 6X power, the 100-yard Field of View is 17.8 feet.
This Viper HS scope comes with the full Vortex VIP lifetime warranty. MidwayUSA’s $399.99 price is a very good deal. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $699.00.
CLICK HERE for video of 6-24x50mm Vortex Viper HS LR model. This is NOT the same as the basic Viper HS, but it shares many features.
A strong argument can be made that the best home defense firearm is a 12 gauge shotgun. This Mossberg 500 is a reliable 12ga pump-gun with useful upgrades including ghost-ring sights and barrel heat-shield. This Model 500 Tactical boasts an 8-shell capacity and weighs 7 pounds unloaded. Order now from GunBuyer.com for $309.00.
6. Brownells — Howa Barreled Actions on Sale, Starting at $259.99
Right now, Brownells is running a big sale on Howa Barreled Actions, in a wide variety of chamberings. You may want to pick up one of these barreled actions, which start at $259.99. We like Howa actions — they are smooth, and they feature an excellent two-stage trigger. Howa also offers a unique Mini Action, which is great for a small-caliber varmint rig. Here are some of the Howa Barreled Actions currently in stock at Brownells. NOTE: This is just a partial sample — there are many other varieties:
.223 Rem, 20″ Heavy Barrel, $399.99
6.5 Grendel, Mini Heavy Barrel, $389.99
6.5 Creedmoor, 24″ Heavy Barrel, $399.99
6.5 Creedmoor, 26″ Heavy Barrel, $429.99
7mm-08, Std Cerakote, $579.99
7.62×39, Mini Light Barrel, $259.99
.308 Win, 20″ Heavy Barrel, $289.99
.308 Win, 24″ Heavy Barrel, $299.99
.30-06 Sprg, 22″ Sporter Barrel, Cerakote, $349.99
.300 Win Mag, 24″ Heavy Barrel, $279.99
7. Cheaper Than Dirt — Browning .22LR Ammo, $19.95 for 400 Rds
The “good old days” are back. You can now buy 400 rounds of Big Name, American-made .22 LR Rimfire ammo for under twenty bucks. That’s just five cents ($0.05) per round. Right now Cheaper Than Dirt is offering Browning Performance Rimfire (BPR) 40gr LRN rimfire ammo for just $19.95. That works out to just five cents ($0.05) per round. Send 100 rounds down range for the price of a Big Mac at McDonalds.
8. Amazon — Jialitte Scope Bubble Level, $11.99
If you shoot long range, you need a scope level. This nicely designed Jialitte Scope Bubble Level is fully CNC-machined to close tolerances for a good fit. It features a 30mm milled inside diameter, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes — that dual-diameter versatility is a nice feature. We also like the way the unit is nicely radiused, and has a low profile in the middle. User reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level. Purchasers have praised this product — almost all verified buyers have rated this five stars.
9. Midsouth — Hornady 17 HMR Ten Boxes for $84.99
Varmint hunters take note. Here’s a great deal on premium 17 HMR ammo. Midsouth is selling 500 rounds of Hornady 17 HMR ammo for $84.99. That works out to just $8.50 per 50-rd box — the best price we’ve seen in a while. Loaded with 17gr V-Max bullets, this ammo is accurate — expect about 1 MOA at 100 yards in a good rifle. The V-Max bullets are effective on small varmints out to 200 yards.
10. Amazon — First Aid Kit, $16.99
Every hunter or shooting sports enthusiast should have a first aid kit available during hunts and trips to the range. This handy Preparify First Aid Kit is 7.9″ x 6″ x 3.1″, so it’s small enough to stow in a backpack, range-bag, or glove-box. It contains 35 products (100 pieces) including: scissors, lancets, tweezers, tourniquet, CPR mask, emergency blanket, splints, safety pins, cold pack, cleaning wipes, sterile pads, bandages, whistle, first aid booklet (and more). Everything is visible in clear pockets, with space to add a few extra items. A best-selling product on Amazon, this compact first-aid kit is a good value at $16.99.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Cabela’s — .22 LR Savage A22 , $209.99 with Spinner Target
The A22 is Savage’s .22 LR version of its very popular A17 rimfire rifle. This rifle is an excellent starter rifle for a youngster, and it also can serve as a handy “truck gun” for dispatching small varmints. On sale now at just $209.99 at Cabela’s, this A22 Rifle is a great bargain. But it gets even better. Purchase this rifle and you get a free Champion Metal Spinner Target. Get Spinner Target REBATE HERE. Plus you get free shipping (to your FFL) with promo Code FREESHIP.
Planning some Service Rifle practice, but don’t have time to reload? Or are you shooting a PRS “Gas Gun” match in Tac Lite Division? Then you should give this IMI ammo a chance. If you aren’t aware, IMI (Israel Military Industries) is the primary military ammo producer for the nation of Israel. This is first-rate ammo produced to high standards. It’s rare to find ammo at this price loaded with premium match bullets — the 77 grain Sierra MatchKing. This sale price works out to $0.56 cents per round. The bullets alone would cost about 28 cents each. This IMI ammo usually sells for $0.90 to $0.96 per round so this is a bargain. The brass is pretty tough — worth reloading. And Sierra specifically designed the 77gr #9377 MatchKing to work optimally loaded to AR15 mag length. This ammo should fit most service rifle chambers even if labeled “.223 Rem”.
Made of heavy-duty steel, this Resetting Rimfire Target is 16.8″ wide x 22.5″ high x 1.8″ deep. Shoot the four lower plates then hit the upper plate to reset the group. Given the price, this metal target system is suprisingly durable — as long as you NEVER use it with centerfire ammo — it’s not built for that. A set of 2.5″ round adhesive target spots is include. NOTE, the Target is most stable with the frame “legs” pushed into the ground a bit. This may be difficult with hard, dry ground.
4. CDNN — Ruger 17 HMR Rifle with Scope and Ammo, $299.99
Here’s everything a varminter needs — rifle, scope, sling, and ammo — all for under $300.00. For fans of the 17 HMR, this deal is hard to beat. You get the bolt-action Ruger American Rimfire rifle chambered in 17 HMR, plus Bushnell A17 Rimfire Scope with Multi-X Reticle, plus 200 rounds of CCI A17 17grain Varmint Ammo (very good stuff), and a Winchester sling — all for just $299.99. If you figure the scope is worth $100 and the CCI ammo would cost $48.00, then you’re getting the Ruger rifle for $151.99. That’s highway robbery. Full Deal HERE.
5. Midsouth — Hornady 17 HMR Ten Boxes for $84.99
Varmint hunters take note. Here’s a great deal on premium 17 HMR ammo. Midsouth is selling 500 rounds of Hornady 17 HMR ammo for $84.99. That works out to just $8.50 per 50-rd box — the best price we’ve seen in a while. Loaded with 17gr V-Max bullets, this ammo is accurate — expect about 1 MOA at 100 yards in a good rifle. The V-Max bullets are effective on small varmints out to 200 yards.
6. MidwayUSA — Caldwell LR Target Cam System, $295.99
Forum members have purchased this Caldwell Target Cam System and they’ve found that it works reliably, providing a clear signal to any WiFi-enabled mobile device (smartphone, iPad, Laptop). One member specifically tested the unit at 1000 yards and it functioned fine. NOTE: This system does NOT have a zoom camera lens, so you need to position the camera within 10 yards or so of the target. But if you place it to the side a bit, this shouldn’t be a problem. This system comes with a nice, fitted carrying case that holds camera, transceivers, antennas, and stands. This is a good deal. Right now this very same system costs $349.95 on Amazon and $369.99 on Brownells.com! Save big with this sale pricing at MidwayUSA.
7. EuroOptics — Leica CRF 2000, $399.00
This may be the best deal we’ve seen on the vaunted Leica 2000-B Laser Rangefinder (LRF) with 7-power optic. This unit is rated out to 2000 yards on reflective objects (in real-world use it will laze a deer well past 800 if you can hold steady). The Leica 2000-B features air pressure and temperature sensors, plus on-board inclinometer. Angle correction works out to 1200 horizontal yards equivalent, with the true hold-over displayed in both MILs and MOA. The compact Leica CRF 2000-B weighs just 6.5 ounces and measures 4.5″ L x 2.25″ H x 1.25″ W. It has a waterproof outer shell.
Here’s a good secondary safe for your workshop or home. Though budget priced, this Stack-On 10-Gun Safe is tall enough to hold match rifles. “Roll-back” priced at just $249.99, this fire-resistant safe offers great protection for the price — much better than a thin-walled “security cabinet”. External dimensions are approximately 55.25″ high x 16″ wide x 15.25″ deep. The safe has a robust 3-number rotary combination lock and is fire-rated for 30 minutes at up to 1400° F. Pick up this safe at your nearest Walmart, or you can have the safe delivered to your residence for another $49.97 shipping fee. This same safe sells elsewhere for up to $389.00.
These Six-inch “splatter” targets display a bright yellow ring around each bullet hole. We like these adhesive Glow Shot targets for practice at 300-600 yards. The neon yellow on black provides high contrast so you can easily see 6mm bullet impacts at 600 yards. The 6″-diameter is one-MOA at 600 yards — a good aiming center size. Priced at just $14.99 for a sixty-count package, these are a good value compared to the larger Birchwood Casey Splatter Targets. Note: This Glow Shot target is also available in a Red Circle version, and Tri-Color version (red, yellow, and green).
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Bushnell 30% Off Optics — Scopes, LRFs, Spotters, Binoculars
This may be the best optics rebate you’ll see all year. Now through March 30, 2018, Bushnell will rebate thirty percent (30%) of the purchase price of a qualifying Bushnell optics product. This 30 for 30 Promotion applies to select Bushnell binoculars, riflescopes, laser rangefinders, or spotting scopes. After purchase, submit the rebate form and you’ll receive 30% of your purchase price back in the form of a Bushnell Visa Prepaid Card. You can save a bundle with this rebate on some popular products. NOTE: Offer excludes Bushnell Golf, Bushnell BackTrack GPS, Bushnell Trail Cameras, Bushnell Elite Tactical Riflescopes, and Bushnell TRS-25 products.
2. DJ’s Brass — Free Brass Annealing with Paid Hydro-Forming
DJ’s brass hydro-forms other cartridge types not shown. Call 205-461-4680 for more info.
DJ’s Brass Service, operated by Darrell Jones, is offering a “March Madness” ANNEAL DEAL this month. If you pay DJ’s to hydro-form your brass, Darrell will also anneal the cases for FREE. That’s right — now through March 31, 2018, DJ’s Brass will anneal your cartridge brass for free when you pay to have it hydro-formed. DJ’s offers case hydro-forming for a variety of popular cartridges including: 6 PPC, 30 PPC, 6 Grinch, 6 BRDX, 6 BRX, 30 BR, and of course the very popular 6 Dasher. (Ask about larger cartridges too!) After hydro-forming, DJ’s can also neck-up or neck-down the cases. For example, if you shoot a 22 Dasher, DJ’s can hydro-form the cases and then neck them down to .22 caliber. Hydro-forming by DJ’s Brass Service costs $0.60 (sixty cents) per case with a minimum order of $60. With his March Madness promo, DJ’s will anneal all the hydro-formed cases for no extra charge.
Darrell Jones is a hydro-forming wizard who has perfected the process. Without revealing any trade secrets, we can say that Darrell has very special dies and Darrell doesn’t use a mallet or hammer — he has a unique system that is much more consistent. Darrell tells us: “Many of my customers take this brass and load it ‘as is’ and go straight to a match and shoot some very nice groups.”
3. RCBS Buy Green Get Green Promo — Rebate up to $175.00
RCBS has announced a new Buy Green, Get Green Rebate program. Here’s how it works — buy ANY RCBS product over $49.99 and you qualify. There’s no restricted list of “qualifying” products. The more you spend, the more you get back — up to $175.00 total in the form of a prepaid Visa Card. If you are considering purchasing a single-stage press, electronic powder dispenser, progressive press, or a full reloading kit, save big with this promotion. It is good for purchases made through March 31, 2018. Purchase any RCBS item between $49.99-$99.98 and receive $10 rebate. Purchase any RCBS item between $99.99-$299.98 and receive $25 rebate. Purchase any RCBS item between $299.99-$499.98 and receive $100 rebate. Purchase any RCBS item between $499.99 or more and receive $175 rebate. Rebate form must be submitted by April 30, 2018. NOTE: Amazon.com purchases are ineligible for this offer. REBATE INFO PAGE.
NOTE: In addition to this RCBS Manufacturer’s Rebate, Grafs.com is offering 10% Off all in-stock RCBS products, now through March 7, 2018. So you save even more!
4. CDNN Sports — Ruger 17 HMR American Compact, $269.99
Varmint season is coming up. For the smaller critters, such as ground squirrels, the little .17 HMR is a great chambering choice, offering ow noise, near-zero recoil, and good accuracy out to 150 yards and beyond. It offers ballistics far superior to the .22 LR, yet is still relatively cheap to shoot. If you’re looking for a very affordable .17 HMR rifle, This is a good little rifle in our favorite varmint chambering. Now you can get a reliable, name brand 17 HMR rifle for a very attractive price. CDNN Sports is selling the 17 HMR Ruger American Rimfire Compact, with 18″ barrel, for just $269.99. That includes two (2) comb units and a FREE padded carry sling. FFL required.
Our “inside source” at EuroOptic.com just let us know about a very hot deal coming up. Next week a bunch of overstock Vortex 6-24x50mm PST EBR-1 MOA scopes will be arriving, and you can save hundreds on these excellent optics. EuroOptic.com will offer this scope for $569.99. It sells elsewhere for up to $800.00. You can Pre-order now for delivery by the end of March with Free Shipping (these scopes are expected to arrive next week). Download Scope Manual. Note: This scope has 1/4-MOA clicks with a Second Focal Plane reticle with MOA-based hash marks.
6. Bullets.com Going Out of Business SALE — Huge Discounts
This is big news. Bullets.com, a leading vendor of components, reloading supplies, and tools, is closing up shop. Some of the product lines will still be carried by Grizzly.com, but bullets, brass, powder, and ammo inventories are being liquidated along with many reloading products and gunsmithing tools. You’ll find huge discounts on many top-tier products — such as Lapua brass, Berger bullets, and Hodgdon powder. Every serious shooter should visit Bullets.com right now to take advantage of these one-time super savings. This Editor will be purchasing rimfire ammo, cartridge brass, and bullets. We’re very sad to see Bullets.com close up shop — it was the key source for some unique products, such as the 6mm Dasher Brass which Bullets.com President Shiraz Balolia commissioned from Norma.
Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor for $799.00 — that price is the lowest we’ve ever seen for a Gen 2 model. If you’ve been thinking of purchasing a Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) chambered for the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge, this is a killer deal. Right now GrabAGun is offering this popular tactical rig for under $800.00, in the 6mm Creedmoor chambering. This shoots faster and flatter than the 6.5 Creedmoor — so many PRS guys have switched to it. This is a good choice for the PRS production class, or take it to another level of performance with a Pre-Fit 26″ cut-rifled barrel from Krieger. This is the lastest RPR Gen 2 version with the upgraded handguards.
8. GunBuyer.com — S&W M&P 9mm M2.0, $419.00
Here’s a good deal on a very reliable, accurate full-size 9x19mm pistol — the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm in handsome Flat Dark Earth finish. We like the distinctive color with contrasting matte black ambidextrous controls. This 9mm pistol is now on sale for $419.00. When we featured this same pistol in September, it proved very popular and sold out at the vendor. If you like it, you might want to act soon.
9. Midsouth — Hornady BTHP Varmint Bullets, $52.29 for 500
Need a boatload of bullets for varmint safaris, or high-volume .223 Rem training sessions? Then check out this deal from Midsouth Shooters Supply. Right now you can get 500 .22-Cal 62gr BTHP bullets for $52.29. That works out to just $10.46 per 100 bullets. You can also get 250 for $28.29. If you have high-volume applications for .224-diameter projectiles, this deal is hard to beat. You could easily pay two times as much (per hundred) for similar bullets elsewhere. Buying in bulk saves big bucks.
10. Amazon — Jialitte Scope Bubble Level, $10.99
All serious rifle shooters need a scope level. This nicely designed Jialitte Scope Bubble Level features a 30mm milled inside diameter, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes — that dual-diameter versatility is a nice feature. We also like the way the unit is nicely radiused, and has a low profile in the middle. Price is just $10.99 with free shipping. User reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level. Purchasers have praised this product — nearly all verified buyers rated this five stars.
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There’s a nice article in the Western Powders Blog that any varminter will enjoy. In this hare-raising tale, gunwriter Jim Waddell explains how he used a self-loading Savage A17 rifle to take care of a serious jack-rabbit problem on a rancho in California. “[My friends] purchased a huge amount of acreage that had some existing alfalfa fields and [surrounding sagebrush]. Sagebrush is home to jack rabbits. Lots of jack rabbits. The previous owner of this property didn’t do any varmint or predator control[.] The ink wasn’t dry on the escrow papers before [my friends] started asking for help shooting rabbits. A problem in taking these critters is it has to be done at night when they come out to feed as they lay low in the bush during the daylight hours.”
Savage A17 Comes to the Rescue
Initially Waddell and some friends took on the jack-rabbit hordes using Ruger 10/22s and a .44 Magnum Marlin lever gun. Neither option was ideal. The .44 Magnum just couldn’t keep up the desired shooting pace (it took too long to reload) ant the .22 LRs were too anemic. So Waddell decided to give the more potent 17 HMR a try. He acquired a Savage A17 and went back for a second bunny-busting session. He came away convinced that the 17 HMR cartridge in the modern semi-auto Savage works great for small varmint control.
Waddell writes: “I wanted more than a .22 after seeing the problems my pals had with their [10/22] bullets not anchoring the rabbits. Armed with my new Savage A17 it was time to head back to the alfalfa fields. This time my hunting partner was Dan, my son-in-law from Seattle. We hunted for four nights. Each night was either raining, windy or both. My question about whether or not rabbits would be out in the weather was answered immediately. They were everywhere. As miserable as the weather was, we got all the shooting we wanted and that Savage rifle was up to the task. We got so many rabbits it was impossible to count.” CLICK HERE for the full account of Waddell’s jack-rabbit adventures on the California rancho. It’s worth a read. Here is a sample:
Wabbits, Wabbits Everywhere — Even Running Right at You
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a sea of rabbits as far as the lights would shine and when the light beams hit the bunnies, they became confused and as often as not, would run right at the lights so a good percentage of our shots were literally in spitting distance. It was also a new experience shooting at targets that are running TOWARD you. Most of us who’ve done much hunting for game or varmints have experienced moving targets but how many of those targets are coming at you?
The CZ-455 is very affordable, with a $389.55 street price. File photo shows Leupold scope. A different CZ 455 with Vanguard scope was used in CTD ammo test.
How accurate can a sub-$400 rimfire rifle be with moderately priced .22 LR ammo? A lot better than you might expect. CTD Blog Tester Wilburn Roberts took a box-stock CZ 455 American and got 1.1 MOA accuracy with Eley Contact ammo, and 1.3 MOA accuracy with Fiocchi HV ammo. This was shooting from the bench with a $280 3-9x40mm scope and targets set at 50 yards. The actual Eley Contact 40gr average group size for three, 5-shot groups was 0.55″. That is pretty darn impressive for a very affordable rifle with no accurizing.
CZ 455 Test Results for TEN Different Ammo Types, Shooting Three 5-Shot Groups:
Group sizes at 50 yards, listed in inches. The .55″ equates to 1.0506 MOA at 100 yards.
Tester Wilburn Roberts was impressed with the CZ 455’s accuracy: “This is an accurate rifle, and I realized this with the first group. The rifle was fired for accuracy at 50 yards. The accompanying table (above) lists some of my results.” Along with target ammo such as Eley Contact, Roberts tested several hunting loads, such as the CCI Velocitor and Winchester Super X, that “have given good results on game”, according to Roberts. Read Full CZ 455 Review.
No Mods Except Trigger Tuning
Notably, Roberts made no changes to his CZ 455 other than adjusting the factory trigger down to 2.5 pounds: “The trigger was smooth enough from the factory at 3.5 pounds. However, if the action is separated from the stock you may adjust the trigger. A small lock nut allows adjusting the trigger, and I was able to back it off to a crisp and clean 2.5 pounds.”
Roberts observed the CZ 455 was very well-made: “The 455 is a replacement for the proven 452 series. The rifle demonstrates first-class quality. The fit and finish are excellent. I was very impressed by what you cannot see — such as chamber dimensions and internal fit and finish. The wood … is nice in appearance, and the fit of the stock to the action is excellent. Inletting is flawless. The barrel channel and the trigger guard is where less-than-perfect fitting shows, but this rifle was flawless.”
CZ 455 Offered with Multi-Caliber Package: .22 LR and 17 HMR
Wouldn’t it be great if a rimfire rifle could shoot both .22 LR and .17 HMR? Well, CZ offers just such a rig — the CZ 455 American Combo, a versatile switch-caliber rifle priced under $500.00. The American Combo (MSRP: $557.00) comes complete with both .22 LR and .17 HMR barrels, easily interchanged with an Allen wrench. As CZ explains: “The CZ 455 eliminates the need to spend the extra expense on a second rifle when you want to add another quality shooter to your rimfire battery”. For a bit more money, you can even purchase a .22 WMR barrel, making your CZ a triple-threat varmint-slayer.
As tested by GunsAmerica.com, the CZ-455 has shown impressive accuracy in both .17 HMR and .22 LR versions. In fact, when GunsAmerica.com tested the CZ 455 American Combo, the .17 HMR version delivered quarter-inch groups at 50 yards. That’s darn impressive accuracy!
This Video Shows How to Interchange Barrels on a CZ 455:
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Dave Emary is concluding his 24-year career at Hornady. Although retiring from full-time duties, Emary will continue with Hornady as a consultant. AccurateShooter.com wants to acknowledge Dave’s decades of important work in the gun industry. Brilliant, dedicated, and forward-thinking, Dave has been one of the top minds in our industry for many years. He will be missed. He can claim credit for many of the most important innovations in cartridge and bullet design in recent decades.
Ask Dave Emary what he liked best about his job as senior ballistics scientist at Hornady, and he’d tell you that it was finding better ways to do things. “At the heart of me, I’m a tinkerer,” Emary said.
To borrow an expression from aeronautics, this Air Force veteran is inclined to “push the envelope,” to think outside the box. “I’m not one willing to just go with the status quo,” Emary said.
Over his 24-year tenure with the company, Emary helped accomplish some of the biggest breakthroughs at Hornady. Although Emary said he was merely in the right place at the right time, the list of projects he influenced in one way or another is a long one.
Dave Emary the Innovator
Fans of Hornady products will quickly recognize the names of ammunition lines such as Critical Defense®, Precision Hunter™ and LEVERevolution®, or cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor and 17 HMR, but those are just a few of the dozens Emary worked on after being hired as bullet/ammo lab manager in 1994. For his groundbreaking work, Emary was honored as one of Outdoor Life’s Top 25 for Innovation in 2007.
Emary came by his interest in ballistics naturally, growing up on a farm near Wakeman, Ohio, where he began shooting when he was 10 years old. His dad had a .22, and he shot a lot of small game, rocks and other targets of opportunity.
In this 2008 video, Dave Emary talks about the “new” 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge.
Father And Son at the Vintage Sniper Match
Dave Emary was a key figure in starting the CMP’s Vintage Sniper Rifle Match. Dave was instrumental in bringing the new match to fruition and he says his father was his inspiration. Below, Dave Emary and his father Robert reflect on the success of the first Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match held at Camp Perry.
Robert Emary (above right) was a decorated World War II scout sniper who parachuted into Holland after the Normandy Invasion and fought all the way to the Eagle’s Nest. (Photo: CMP The First Shot)
Dave Emary was a competitive shooter. This photo shows Dave (left) and “Gunny” R. Lee Ermey (right) shooting the Vintage Sniper Team Match at Camp Perry. (Photo: NRA Blog)
Q and A with Dave Emary
There is an interesting interview with Dave Emary on the Hornady Blog. Dave shares some insider knowledge on how new cartridge types are developed and SAAMI/CIP standardized. And Dave also comments on his favorite new and old cartridges:
Q: Which Hornady rounds have you helped design?
A: This list gets pretty long, Light and Heavy Magnum, A-MAX Match bullets, V-MAX bullets and the Varmint Express line, 450 Marlin, 17 HMR, 204 Ruger, 17 M2, LEVERevolution bullets and ammunition, 308 and 338 Marlin Express, Ruger Compact Magnums, Critical Defense bullets and ammunition line, 6.5 Creedmoor, Critical DUTY bullets and ammunition, Superformance propellants and ammunition. There’s probably some I’ve forgotten.
Q: What is your personal favorite caliber and why?
A: I love the 6.5 Creedmoor. It provides exceptional accuracy along with being very easy and comfortable to shoot. The external and terminal performance offered by 6.5 mm bullets for the ease of shooting is unmatched. At this point in time it is the only bolt action hunting rifle I own. I occasionally pick it up rather than my lever guns to go hunting. It almost seems unfair hunting with it because of how accurate and flat it shoots and how effective it is.
Q: Which historic calibers do you admire and which is the greatest in your view?
A: It’s hard to look past the .303 British and 8×57 because of their tremendous historic significance. I would also rate the .30–06 in with the previous two. The other cartridge I think really started the present day commercial sporting ammunition designs is the 30–30 Winchester. It was one of the first high velocity, smokeless, commercial offerings and lead the way for cartridge development that eventually far eclipsed it.
Dave Emary’s Background — Physics, Astronomy, Air Force Service, and Ballistics
After earning his Bachelor of Science in physics from Bowling Green State University, Dave worked for a year at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in New Mexico before joining the U.S. Air Force. In the Air Force, he earned a second bachelor’s degree, in aeronautical/astronomical engineering. He served for six years, rising to the rank of captain.
After the Air Force, Emary worked at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology’s Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC), the largest ordnance-testing facility in the U.S. outside the government. “That’s where I really got into the ballistics side of things,” Emary said. Among other things, research by Emary and his colleagues led to the development of the electromagnetic railguns now being used by the U.S. Navy that launch projectiles at 4,500 mph.
From there, he went to work for St. Marks Powder in Florida, the nation’s largest gun propellant producer. There, his work caught the attention of Steve Hornady, who offered Emary a job. “Dave had built a reputation as an innovative thinker and problem solver, and I wanted those qualities for our team,” Hornady said.
Dave Emary Returns to EMRTC as Engineering Director
Although he has retired from Hornady, Dave Emary will still use his skill set and vast ballistics knowledge in a new job at a familiar place — as Director of Engineering at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center. EMRTC is internationally recognized in explosives research and testing. For Emary, it’s just his way of easing into retirement.
“I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to be a member of this industry, Hornady Manufacturing and to have been afforded the opportunities I have been given,” Emary said. “I thank the Lord every day for the success I have had, which has been enormously aided by many other people.” — Dave Emary
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Whittaker Guns — Howa 1500 Youth Model in 6.5 Grendel
Great “Bang for the Buck” — If you’re looking for a hunting rifle for your son or daughter, here’s a very good gun that’s light-weight and sized for youngsters. Right now the Howa Mini Action Youth Model in 6.5 Grendel is just $349.99 at Whittaker Guns. This special Youth model has a shorter stock with 12.5″ length of pull. Weighing under 5.7 pounds with 20″ barrel, this rifle is light enough for a boy or girl to carry easily. Factory hunting ammo is available from Federal, Hornady, and Alexander Arms.
2. MidwayUSA — 1500 Rounds Norma Tac-22 Ammo, $109.99
Check out those groups. That’s impressive accuracy at 50 yards. You’d expect to pay $10.00 or more per box for rimfire ammo that can shoot this well. But you can now get the Norma Tac-22 for the equivalent of $3.66 per box in this package deal — 1500 rounds in Ammo Can for $109.99. This works out to just 7 cents a round for very good .22 LR rimfire ammo — that’s a steal. NOTE: The target photos come from Champion Shooters Supply, which may have gotten an exceptional lot. This vendor tells us: “We have found this to run very well in Ruger rifles, handguns, and target pistols. These are 5-shot groups at 50 yards with an Anschutz 1913 rifle. This is an incredible value.”
3. Grafs.com — Caldwell Rock Front Rest, $119.99
The Caldwell Rock BR Front Rest is sturdy and stable. It ships with two front bags, a wide tri-lobe plus a conventional bag (shown above). The latter works quite well for rifles with narrow forearms — such as hunting rigs or ARs. This is a good option for a young shooter or someone getting started on a tight budget. We’ve used this rest on a varmint hunt and it worked well. Use the Mariner wheel for gross elevation changes and “fine tune” elevation by squeezing your rear sand bag. This same rest costs $139.61 at Amazon. Save $20.00 by purchasing through Grafs which also offers a single, flat $7.95 handling fee per order — no extra shipping charge. Purchase multiple items from Grafs.com and pay just one $7.95 fee.
4. Precision Reloading — Nosler Brass and Bullets 20-25% Off
Here’s a good sale at Precision Reloading. If you are looking for great pricing on Nosler-brand brass and bullets, save now — components are discounted 20-25%. Check out the great pricing on 250-bullet quantities. Here are some of the better deals:
Nosler .204-Cal 40gr B-Tip Varmint Bullet: $40.99 for 250ct (marked down from $51.99)
Nosler .243-Cal 107gr Match Bullet: $40.99 for 250ct (marked down from $51.99)
Nosler .284-Cal (7mm) 175gr Accubond Bullet: $39.99 for 100ct (marked down from $55.99)
Nosler .308-Cal 155gr Match Bullet: $199.99 for 1000ct (marked down from $256.99)
Nosler .308-Cal 190gr Match Bullet: $65.99 for 250ct (marked down from $83.99)
5. GunBuyer.com — S&W M&P 9mm M2.0, $419.00
Here’s a good deal on a very reliable, accurate full-size 9x19mm pistol — the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm in handsome Flat Dark Earth finish. We like the distinctive color with contrasting matte black ambidextrous controls. This 9mm pistol is now on sale for $419.00. When we featured this same pistol in September, it proved very popular and sold out at the vendor. If you like it, you might want to act soon.
6. Bruno Shooters Supply — Halloween Sale through 10/31/2017
To mark Halloween, Bruno Shooters Supply is running a store-wide sale this Monday and Tuesday (through 10/31/2017 at 11:59 PM). There are notable savings on a wide range of products including powder, bullets, brass, primers and even premium-quality Krieger barrels. If you need reloading components, or a new barrel for your rifle, check out this sale — but don’t dawdle. Sale prices expire on Halloween Night, Tuesday, October 31st at 11:59 pm.
7. Amazon — Howard Leight Electronic Muffs, $39.00
Every shooter should own a pair of Electronic muffs, even if you prefer shooting with earplugs and/or standard muffs. Electronic muffs are great when you are doing spotting duties or are working near the firing line. They allow you to hear ordinary conversations while still providing vital hearing protection. Right now Amazon.com has the Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Muffs on sale for just $39.00, with free Prime Shipping. This is good deal — these NRR 22 muffs are currently Amazon’s #1 seller in the category.
8. CDNN Sports — Ruger 17 HMR American Compact, $269.99
This is a good little rifle in our favorite varmint chambering. With ballistics far superior to a .22 LR, the 17 HMR is ideal for prairie dogs and small varmints out to 180 yards or so. Now you can get a reliable, name brand 17 HMR rifle for a very attractive price. CDNN Sports is selling the 17 HMR Ruger American Rimfire Compact, with 18″ barrel, for just $269.99. That includes two (2) comb units and a FREE padded carry sling. FFL required.
9. Amazon — Mystery Deal of the Week, 37% Savings
This double-duty product safeguards your firearms during transport AND provides a comfortable foundation when shooting prone. With a solid 4.5-star rating (240+ reviews) this item has impressed rifle-owning purchasers. Right now this product is being offered for around $52.00, a bargain considering all it can do. This versatile product performs multiple tasks and would be well-suited for PRS competitors. If you read the reviews you’ll see that recent purchasers have been very happy: “Superb for the money”; “Very practical”; “Really nice and well-constructed”; “Heavy Duty and versatile”.
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17-Cal Bore Guides — The Challenge
Using the RVB 17 HMR Guide – Once the bore guide is in place, slide the supplied aluminum bushing over the tube, and gently push the bushing into the rear of the action. This centers the guide rod in the action to keep the guide rod tube aligned. Once the guide rod and bushing are in place, you can use a 17-caliber cleaning rod* with patches and/or brushes to clean the barrel. Use the rod normally, but make sure your patches are quite small and don’t apply too much pressure as these small-diameter rods can kink if you try to force over-size patches down the bore.
The Vortex Viper HS features side-focus parallax, low-dispersion glass, and a BDC Reticle (shown at right) that has hold-over marks. That can be useful in the varmint fields. (Do your own testing to find the distance settings of the hold-overs with your cartridge and velocity.) The Viper has a 30mm main tube and weighs 21.4 ounces without rings. Max elevation and windage travel are both 42 MOA — plenty for typical varmint applications. At 6X power, the 100-yard Field of View is 17.8 feet.
